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Question: 1. According to Chabad custom, when do we use "Heker Tzir" for an exterior door? 2. What is the Halacha if there's a double door with a post in between? The post can be removed or lifted but… Question: 1. According to Chabad custom, when do we use "Heker Tzir" for an exterior door? 2. What is the Halacha if there's a double door with a post in between? The post can be removed or lifted but usually just remains stationary. Do we need 1 or 2 Mezuzas? Answer: Picture of post 1. The rules for determining the correct placement of the Mezuza are complex, differing from door to door. However, in regards to the exterior door leading from the outside, we always place it on the right side as we are entering the house…Show more
Question: Is it permitted for my students (2nd grade) to Daven Shmoneh Esreh and all of Davening, facing a wall that has a Rebbe picture on it? The Rebbe picture is very high up on the wall, where students… Question: Is it permitted for my students (2nd grade) to Daven Shmoneh Esreh and all of Davening, facing a wall that has a Rebbe picture on it? The Rebbe picture is very high up on the wall, where students are probably not looking during Davening. The Rebbe's picture is on the front wall of the classroom which is Mizrach. Answer: Although there is room to permit under certain conditions when it is not at eye level, this should not be done for many reasons. Poskim specifically caution that pictures of people are worse than other paintings. Indeed, rumor…Show more
The Kaddeishim after Shir Shel Yom and onward are not considered גמר תפלת י"ח ("the culmination of Shemoneh Esreh") and therefore should only be said if there's a Minyan present during the recitation of Kaddish. As for the… The Kaddeishim after Shir Shel Yom and onward are not considered גמר תפלת י"ח ("the culmination of Shemoneh Esreh") and therefore should only be said if there's a Minyan present during the recitation of Kaddish. As for the chatzi kaddish after Tachanun, please see here. שוע"ר סי' נה סעי' ד. והעירני ח״א מהלשון באג״ק טז ע׳ רכב: הקדישים שאחרי ובא לציון. ובהערות המו״ל שכנצ״ל הקדיש. וללא ידיעת רקע השאלה קשה לענות. אבל הלשון שם: בשאלתו ע״ד הקדישים. וניתן לומר בפשטות ששאל מה לעשות בקדישים שאחרי ובל״צ כשאין עשרה. ותוכן המענה הוא לומר רק קדיש הראשון, ק״ת. ותל״מ.…Show more
For example, if I say Yom Alef for one person from a group that finishes the Tehillim, and then I add another name for a different group that finishes the Tehillim but still say Yom Alef just once? … For example, if I say Yom Alef for one person from a group that finishes the Tehillim, and then I add another name for a different group that finishes the Tehillim but still say Yom Alef just once? Answer: You are allowed to say Tehillim for more than one person. Sources: בכ״מ הביאו מש״כ עד״ז בשו״ת בית יהודה עייאש יט,…Show more
No problem to use. In fact, this is preferred over “regular” liquid soaps - see here: https://asktherav.com/4116-do-i-need-to-dissolve-my-dish-soap-before-shabbos-or-is-it-already-watery-enough-to-use/ Sources: ע"פ קצות השולחן סימן קמו בבדי השולחן סוף סקל"ב…
When it is common for people to enter the elevator at any floor (for example, during the day and beginning of night), there is no problem of Yichud according to most opinions since generally its a short unknown length… When it is common for people to enter the elevator at any floor (for example, during the day and beginning of night), there is no problem of Yichud according to most opinions since generally its a short unknown length of time and someone may enter any second. Late at night or in a quiet, empty building one should be Machmir. If a man was in the elevator and a woman comes in (or vice versa) he should leave at the next floor. מראה מקומות: שערים מצויינים בהלכה קנב, ו. שו"ת מנחת יצחק…Show more
One may not enter a Catholic School even for a purpose like this. ש"ך יו"ד קמט, א. שו"ע קנ, א. #6057
Your question assumes that this is only a problem for a single girl. There can be serious issues with such a setup to begin with, even for married people as well. Because there are so many facets to this… Your question assumes that this is only a problem for a single girl. There can be serious issues with such a setup to begin with, even for married people as well. Because there are so many facets to this question and there are multiple situations which can arise, a Rov who is familiar with the particular situation and circumstances needs to advise you as to what is acceptable in the particular situation you’re asking about. As a general rule, teens may not be mixed in any setting, even for Kiruv purposes. There might be room for an exception in…Show more
There is a way for it to be considered kosher according to the Shulchan Aruch (see Yoreh Deah 123:16). The reason is that the wine crystals become so deteriorated that they are now like "dust". Of course that any… There is a way for it to be considered kosher according to the Shulchan Aruch (see Yoreh Deah 123:16). The reason is that the wine crystals become so deteriorated that they are now like "dust". Of course that any such item would require a reliable Hechsher. See the article from the OU. However, according to the Taz (Yoreh Deah 123:9) in the name of the Rashal, it is best to avoid having cream of tartar unless it is derived from a kosher wine source. Additionally, others argue that the process used today isn’t the same as described in Shulchan…Show more
Question: Can a woman recite Birchas Hagomel (on Shabbos) from the women’s section? Or at the Torah? Answer: It is permissible to do so from the women’s gallery but not from the Torah, and this is the custom… Question: Can a woman recite Birchas Hagomel (on Shabbos) from the women’s section? Or at the Torah? Answer: It is permissible to do so from the women’s gallery but not from the Torah, and this is the custom in many places. However, the general custom in many circles is that women don’t Bentch Hagomel. It’s advisable for them to hear Barchu in Shule. Likewise, to have Kavanah when reciting the Bracha Hagomel Chasidim Tovim in the morning. Tzedaka should also be given. Sources: https://asktherav.com/352-brachos-after-birth-hatov-vhameytiv-shehecheyanu-hagomel/ #6063…Show more
Say it now. Sources: סדר ברכת הנהנין פי"ג ה"ה: "ואם איחר מלברך יש…
He should go back unless he already said Boruch Ata Hashem. ערך השולחן טייב קכז, א בשם המאירי מגילה כד, ב (לפני משנה ו), ושם הביאו בשם הגאונים. והו״ד בכף החיים סי' קכו ס"ק טו. ועוד לו שם… He should go back unless he already said Boruch Ata Hashem. ערך השולחן טייב קכז, א בשם המאירי מגילה כד, ב (לפני משנה ו), ושם הביאו בשם הגאונים. והו״ד בכף החיים סי' קכו ס"ק טו. ועוד לו שם קכז, יא. וראה במשנ״ב שם בבה״ל ד״ה אומר שנשאר בצ״ע. ודלא כהלכה ברורה יוסף קכז בבירור הלכה ו שדחה. ולא זכר יוסף שהוא מדברי הגאונים. #6028 Show more
I know of no instruction from the Rebbe one way or another. For many years, the Paroches was changed after Simchas Torah. Furthermore, in many places it’s changed even earlier (and is only changed again to white for Hoshana… I know of no instruction from the Rebbe one way or another. For many years, the Paroches was changed after Simchas Torah. Furthermore, in many places it’s changed even earlier (and is only changed again to white for Hoshana Rabbah and for Geshem, see Luach Kolel Chabad). Logically, the Paroches should be changed at the start of 7 Cheshvan, as the period of Tishrei concludes on 6 Cheshvan. Sources: פרוכת לבנה - שע״א י, כ. מט״א תריט, ו.…Show more
Question: Apologize for asking a non-Halachic question, though it is relevant to Maaseh B'Poel; I am considering buying the set of Yalkut Me’am Lo’ez. However, I realized that many things he writes do not have sources. He is not… Question: Apologize for asking a non-Halachic question, though it is relevant to Maaseh B'Poel; I am considering buying the set of Yalkut Me’am Lo’ez. However, I realized that many things he writes do not have sources. He is not just a Melaket of Midrashim rather seemingly adds new things. Is it a reliable set? Is it ever quoted by holy sources (Someone brought up that in Me’am Lo’ez it says that Nachshon Ben Aminodov joined Korach, while in Chassidus it says the opposite. I'm not sure if it's another opinion, or because not everything written there is Oisgehalten). …Show more
We stand during Davening as a slave before his master, with awe and fear. One should make an effort to Daven standing even if it means pushing off Davening until one is feeling better (provided Zman Tefila does not… We stand during Davening as a slave before his master, with awe and fear. One should make an effort to Daven standing even if it means pushing off Davening until one is feeling better (provided Zman Tefila does not pass). If she's not able to wait and can not stand, or can not concentrate while standing, she may sit and Daven. If possible she should stand to go 3 steps back, as well as during the bowing done at the designated places. if this is not possible she should bow while sitting. She should also keep her feet together…Show more
Yes. Sources: ויש בזה קיום מצות פו״ר. וכמו שמצינו בלאה שהתפללה…
People often ask whether it’s permissible to use their maaser money (a tenth of one’s earnings donated to charity) to purchase raffle tickets, such as at a Chinese auction, where the money benefits a tzedakah (charity) organization, but the… People often ask whether it’s permissible to use their maaser money (a tenth of one’s earnings donated to charity) to purchase raffle tickets, such as at a Chinese auction, where the money benefits a tzedakah (charity) organization, but the ticket holder also stands the chance to win a prize. The answer is that maaser money may be used to purchase the raffle tickets, since the money is ultimately benefitting a proper tzedakah. However, were a ticket purchased with maaser money to win, it would be problematic to consider the prize the property of the ‘winner’. Since the maaser…Show more
Question: Is it OK to go to the Ohel at night? How about not eating; I can't eat all day, or it's OK not to eat just from Shkiah? Answer The common custom is not to go… Question: Is it OK to go to the Ohel at night? How about not eating; I can't eat all day, or it's OK not to eat just from Shkiah? Answer The common custom is not to go to a Beis Hakvaros at night. While many have written extensively on this topic, proving that there’s no issue whatsoever with going at night, we find in the writings of the Minchas Elazar that one is supposed to go to Davka by day. Nonetheless, there is no halachic prohibition to go at night. Indeed, many people do go at night,…Show more
Halloween is rooted in Avoda Zara. Celebrating Halloween also involves serious issues of Chukos Hagoyim, especially that it is difficult to find a rational explanation to the celebrations other than its pagan source. The pagan origins are very obvious… Halloween is rooted in Avoda Zara. Celebrating Halloween also involves serious issues of Chukos Hagoyim, especially that it is difficult to find a rational explanation to the celebrations other than its pagan source. The pagan origins are very obvious and they’re still part of the consciousness of the people. At the same time, there’s room to permit it where it involves issues of איבה or דרכי שלום. ראה תורת מנחם - מנחם ציון ב ע׳ 343. See this Article from Emunah Magazine: about Halacha & Halloween #5982Show more
The dedicated team of Rabbonim at AskTheRav would like to wish you a Gut Chodesh Elul! “The King is in the field . . and displays a benevolent countenance to all, and fulfills their requests” On Shabbos Re’eh 5748,… The dedicated team of Rabbonim at AskTheRav would like to wish you a Gut Chodesh Elul! “The King is in the field . . and displays a benevolent countenance to all, and fulfills their requests” On Shabbos Re’eh 5748, the Rebbe presented two directives for the month of Elul: [WISHES:] Each person should bless others (and be blessed in return) with the wish of kesivah vachasimah tovah le’shanah tovah u’mesukah (“May you be inscribed and sealed for a good, sweet year!”). It is appropriate that men bless men, women bless women, boys bless boys, and girls bless girls. This…Show more
It's OK to live near a non Jewish cemetery. Upon seeing a non-Jewish burial site one recites the following Passuk (ירמי׳ נ, יב): בּ֤וֹשָׁה אִמְּכֶם֙ מְאֹ֔ד חָפְרָ֖ה יֽוֹלַדְתְּכֶ֑ם הִנֵּה֙ אַחֲרִ֣ית גּוֹיִ֔ם מִדְבָּ֖ר צִיָּ֥ה וַעֲרָבָֽה׃ שו״ע או״ח רכד, יב.… It's OK to live near a non Jewish cemetery. Upon seeing a non-Jewish burial site one recites the following Passuk (ירמי׳ נ, יב): בּ֤וֹשָׁה אִמְּכֶם֙ מְאֹ֔ד חָפְרָ֖ה יֽוֹלַדְתְּכֶ֑ם הִנֵּה֙ אַחֲרִ֣ית גּוֹיִ֔ם מִדְבָּ֖ר צִיָּ֥ה וַעֲרָבָֽה׃ שו״ע או״ח רכד, יב. לוח ברכת הנהנין יב, יח. ונשמט בסדר ברה״נ יג, יא. וכנראה מחמת הצנזורה. #5943Show more
Question: My children want to say Tehillim on Shabbos Mevorchim and will earn rewards for it. They will earn rewards by the amount of time they spend saying Tehillim. Therefore, the question is, are they allowed to use a… Question: My children want to say Tehillim on Shabbos Mevorchim and will earn rewards for it. They will earn rewards by the amount of time they spend saying Tehillim. Therefore, the question is, are they allowed to use a sand timer so they can make sure they are reading for the designated amount of time? Using the time on a clock will not be as child-friendly and effective. Answer: Sand timers should not be used on Shabbos, even for a Mitzvah. Source: The Alter Rebbe writes (Shulchan Aruch Harav 308, 88) that the above is the common…Show more
This is sourced in many Sefarim. It is considered a Sakana to blow out candles. כלבו קיח. ראשית חכמה בחופת אליהו רבה ג. והוב״ד בבא״ח ש״ב פינחס יח. לחה״פ יו״ד קטז, ה. כה״ח שם קטו. ועוד. וראה שו״ת… This is sourced in many Sefarim. It is considered a Sakana to blow out candles. כלבו קיח. ראשית חכמה בחופת אליהו רבה ג. והוב״ד בבא״ח ש״ב פינחס יח. לחה״פ יו״ד קטז, ה. כה״ח שם קטו. ועוד. וראה שו״ת יבי״א ט, צה, יד. #5912 Show more
One should let the buyer know about the market rate of this second hand item, and if he agrees it is permitted. Sources: חו״מ רכ״ז סכ״א. שוע"ר הלכות אונאה ס״ד. …
Yes. However, it’s best to wrap first in something and then discard. ראה גנזי הקודש טז הערה יט. יט, יג. https://asktherav.com/how-should-one-dispose-of-the-menorah-wicks-and-also-the-shabbos-candles/ #6466
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